Neoplastic Disorders

Abstract

This chapter first introduces the general problems of diagnosing neoplastic meningitis starting with the two typical constellations with which the investigator is usually confronted: either a primary malignancy is already known or clinical and neuroradiological findings are suggestive of neoplastic meningitis, though without sufficient evidence of the primary tumor. The reader receives adequate instructions on how to tackle the latter problematic constellation. Furthermore, some specific pitfalls, e.g., how to handle negative cytology, are examined. The general part ends in a discussion of potential additional techniques that are helpful in dealing with specific problems. Thereafter, the typical findings of metastatic tumors, hematologic neoplasms, and primary nervous system neoplasms are presented both cytologically and histologically. A representative panel of respective useful antibodies is also included.